Bluefin Fish Commands Unprecedented Price of $3.2m at Japanese Capital New Year Sale
A substantial bluefin tuna created waves at the Toyosu fish market this Monday, achieving a historic bid of 510.3 million yen (3.2 million US dollars; £2.4m) during the venue's inaugural auction of the calendar year.
The winning bid for the 535-pound fish was submitted by the parent firm of a nationwide sushi chain, which operates outlets across the country and internationally.
"An inaugural tuna heralds good luck," stated the business owner, a regular figure at the annual first sale.
Dubbed the Tuna King, this industry figure is famous for making high bids for bluefin tuna at these symbolic new year auctions.
Auction Shock and Record-Setting Precedent
After the auction, the winner admitted to the press that he was "taken aback at the final price," adding, "I had thought we would be able to buy it a little at a lower price, but the price soared before you knew it."
This most recent purchase surpasses his own historic purchases:
- He secured a tuna for 56.5 million yen back in 2012.
- He spent 155 million yen the following year.
- In 2019, he purchased a tuna for 333.6 million yen ($2.1 million).
Despite once commenting that he thought he "did too much," he has now managed to shatter his own record once again.
An Annual Spectacle of Exorbitant Bids
The first auction at the Toyosu fish market is typically known for sky-high prices. In the prior year, the first tuna was bought for 207 million yen by a different food company, which announced the fish would be served at its locations across Japan.
The intense activity at the fish market during these pre-sunrise auctions has become a popular tourist attraction in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which started around 05:00 local time, was no different.
From Auction to Plate
The multi-million-dollar tuna was quickly sliced up for diners at the winner's sushi restaurants shortly after the auction was finished.
"I feel like I've started the year in a auspicious way after consuming something so lucky as the year begins," shared one happy customer.
